Yorkshire skipper David Byas believes his side can win the County Championship for the first time in 30 years.

He issued a title war cry after his side's thumping 164-run win over Surrey at Headingley which took them to joint fourth place in the table - 21 points behind new leaders Leicestershire.

Byas said: "I have never accepted that we were out of the race, even after our defeat by Lanca-shire a couple of weeks ago.

"The young bowlers are doing me proud, and our aim from now on is quite simple - to get 48 points from our last two games and let the others do the worrying.

"Leicester, Surrey Lancashire and Gloucester are also involved in what will be a close struggle but what they do is up to them.

"All I am concerned about is beating Warwickshire at Head-ingley next week and then wrapping things up with a win against Sussex at Hove."

Byas added: "I am absolutely thrilled with the way we have played, it was a wonderful performance to thrash Surrey in under three days. We were able to declare twice which shows that there was nothing much wrong with the pitch and our fast bowlers used it so much better than theirs."

Yorkshire should have England paceman Darren Gough back to bolster their attack against Warwickshire.

Leicestershire took full advantage of Surrey's slip-up to defeat Warwickshire at Edgbaston by 73runs and leapfrog five points clear at the top of the table.

Now their game against Surrey at The Oval in a fortnight could turn out to be the championship decider.

Leicestershire manager Jack Birkenshaw - the former York-shire player - is anticipating a nailbiting finish to the title race.

He said: "It's a fantastic championship this season.

"Gloucestershire are coming good; Yorkshire are now coming through, and Lancashire are playing some terrific cricket.

"Anyone can win it - its such a close championship. But I think that the side who stays coolest will probably win it."

Leicestershire's next match is against bottom team Essex at Grace Road and Birkenshaw admits: "We must make sure we get something from that game before thinking about Surrey."

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